Hart & Governor Awards

What are the Stephen H. Hart Awards for Historic Preservation?

History Colorado began presenting the Stephen H. Hart Awards in 1986 to recognize outstanding projects and individual achievements in archaeology and historic preservation throughout Colorado. Stephen H. Hart was Colorado’s first State Historic Preservation Officer.

From this select group of awardees, one exceptional project is chosen every year to receive the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. First presented in 2003, the Governor’s Award recognizes a project or person that exemplifies the best in historic preservation, in honoring historic design and craftsmanship, and in adhering to proper preservation techniques and ethics.

The History Colorado President’s Award recognizes a person, project, or program that enriched and educated others about our state’s history and heritage, while the Hart Archaeology Award goes to a person, project, or program that demonstrated a commitment to archaeology and historic preservation.

The 2017 Hart Awards were held on February 1, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the History Colorado Center.

2017 Honorees

Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation

Honorees: Gary and Lilly McCall, owners; Alexa Roberts and Michael Taylor of the National Park ServiceProject: For the preservation, interpretation, and stewardship of Bent’s New Fort

This unique collaboration between the private owners and the National Park Service resulted in the nomination of one of Colorado’s most historic sites to the National Register of Historic Places. Bent’s New Fort represents several facets of Colorado’s trade, settlement, and military history. You can learn more about Bent’s New Fort here.

The Department of Energy Grand Junction Office played a critical role in the Manhattan Project—the secret effort to develop an atomic bomb during World War II. Because of the hard work of these awardees, the historic site and cabin are preserved and recognized for the role they played in world history.

State Archaeologist’s Award

Honoree: Susan Collins, Ph.D.Project: For her service to Colorado as State Archaeologist

Dr. Susan Collins is the former Colorado State Archaeologist. Her career spans decades of field and regulatory work, leaving a lasting impact on Colorado and regional archaeology.

Hart Awards

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Historic Preservation Office has consistently been one of the strongest such offices in the state. Knight and Hartman have worked tirelessly as advocates for and examples of tribal representation in preservation efforts in Colorado and beyond.

Honoree: Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office; Mountain Studies Institute; San Juan County; San Juan County Historical SocietyProject: For the preservation of Animas Forks

The Animas Forks mining town still stands thanks to the incredible collaborative efforts of private and public partners. Animas Forks is an incredible resource, with multiple intact, original buildings representing the mining history of Colorado.

Honoree: Lee MerkelProject: For a career of service in historic preservation

Lee Merkel of the Department of Local Affairs has, throughout his career, gone above and beyond in order to make preservation a priority. His work across the state to preserve historic resources is an example for all public servants.

Honoree: Schweiger Ranch FoundationProject: For the preservation of Schweiger Ranch

The historic Schweiger Ranch in Lone Tree is a marvel of historic preservation. Amidst development all along the Front Range, the Schweiger Ranch Foundation has managed to keep the historic ranch preserved and safe from destruction.

Dominguez Archaeological Research Group, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and National Park Service – The Colorado Wickiup Project

5th Annual History Colorado President's Award:

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, St. Charles Town Company, SLATERPAULL Architects, and Spectrum General Contractors – Emerson School*